MAM
TDSAT-Ad cap: TRAI done; amicus curiae takes over
MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) finally wound up its arguments on 25 November on broadcasting advertising cap regulations. Speaking for the third consecutive day, TRAI counsel Rakesh Dwivedi elaborated on Article 14 of the Constitution that talks about the fundamental right to equality.
His point was that all channels are at a par. Although free-to-air (FTA) channels don’t get subscription revenues like others, they are benefited in some other way and thus they should also be treated as those that receive payments. Dwivedi also submitted data alleging that channels had grossly (highly) violated the ad regulation.
With that the TRAI concluded its side of arguments and the first Amicus Curiae took over. Madhavi Divan started with the history of television and brought up many points like how TV was licensed, a few judgements, the Cable TV Networks Act, the TRAI act, the convergence bill that never saw the light of day as well as the fact that there was a bill to establish an independent authority. She argued that broadcasting services fall under the TRAI Act because originally they were planning to bring it under an independent act, which never happened.
She also stated that duration of advertisements does not come under content. She read out a few important points from a book that gave insight in to the setting up of TRAI, how cable operators came into existence and other details about the industry. The bench wanted to know from her who is the enforcer of violation of the duration of advertisements. Divan said she would be attending to that tomorrow.
Once she concludes her arguments in a day or two, the second amicus – Aman Ahluwalia would speak on the subject.
The ad cap issue hearing appears to be entering its last round. It is just a matter of time – some say within two to three weeks that TDSAT will be ready to announce its verdict.
Brands
Chipotle appoints Fernando Machado as chief brand officer
Marketing veteran to lead brand, digital push and global expansion plans
CALIFORNIA:Â Chipotle Mexican Grill has appointed Fernando Machado as its chief brand officer, effective 1 June, as the company sharpens its focus on brand building and digital-led growth.
The move comes shortly after Chipotle Mexican Grill chief executive officer Scott Boatwright took charge, signalling a renewed push to strengthen the brand’s global positioning and accelerate international expansion.
Most recently, Machado served as operating partner at Garnett Station Partners, where he supported portfolio brands on marketing and growth strategies. Prior to that, he was chief marketing officer at Activision Blizzard, leading campaigns for major gaming franchises.
He has also held senior roles at Restaurant Brands International, working across brands such as Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons, and spent over a decade at Unilever in global brand development roles.
In addition to his corporate experience, Machado is associated with the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity as dean of the Brand Marketers Academy, mentoring emerging marketing leaders.
At Chipotle, he will oversee brand strategy, creative direction and digital engagement, aligning marketing efforts with the company’s evolving consumer base and technology-led ambitions.
The appointment highlights Chipotle’s intent to blend strong brand storytelling with digital innovation as it looks to scale its presence in an increasingly competitive global market.
